Long-Distance Relationship Tips

Long-distance relationships can be tough. Of course, you miss your partner, and there can be extra worries about what they might be doing, or worrying that you shouldn’t be enjoying yourself when they aren’t there. However, sometimes long-distance is necessary, whether you’ve met someone online, Covid is keeping you apart, or one of you has to work away from home for a time. Here are some top tips to help you keep the love along, long-distance.

Keep In Touch

Thanks to technology, there are lots of ways you can keep in touch. Make phone calls, have video calls, and send messages throughout the day. Share pictures or short video clips of your day so you can feel as though you’re experiencing things together. Send silly things that show you’re thinking of them, such as sending a funny cat video or a silly deez nuts joke you saw online if you know it will make them laugh.

Watch a movie online together by queueing up the same one and hitting play at the same time. Play board games online.

Go offline too. Send gifts or write an old-fashioned letter.

Enjoy Yourself

Being away from your partner can be tough, but you don’t need to sit by the phone feeling sad all the time. You’re still allowed to have fun too. Take advantage of the time you have to yourself to do the things that you like. See your friends. Spend time with family.

If you enjoy some things that your partner doesn’t, whether it’s reality TV, Chinese food, or nightclubs, use the time when you’re apart to enjoy these things guilt-free.

Set Clear Boundaries

The main reason that long-distance relationships fail is due to partners not understanding or respecting each other’s boundaries. It’s important to have a clear, frank conversation about what each of your expectations are, and for both of you to respect the other’s boundaries. This might mean things like agreeing on what counts on being faithful to you, how often it is ok for your partner to check in, and how often you talk. Breaking boundaries around trust, privacy, and personal space (even online space) can be a killer for long-distance romance.

Remember Your Partner Isn’t Perfect

When you miss someone, it can be easy to forget they’re a real person, with flaws. If, when you do get to see each other, you find that they have some habits that annoy you, such as snoring, hogging the covers at night, or using every pan in the kitchen when they cook, try not to let it become a big thing. If you saw them all the time, these habits would be something you could get used to, and just because you’re long-distance, it doesn’t mean those little irritations don’t exist. They’re normal and don’t have to be a problem. Even having the occasional argument is normal and nothing to worry about, as long as you’re fighting in a healthy way. A row doesn’t mean you’re breaking up.